12-year-old gunned down in home invasion

Metro Police detectives are working to identify gunmen responsible for this morning’s murder of 12-year-old Makia Woodland during a home invasion robbery at 67 Maury St., just south of downtown.

Shannon Hooten, Makia’s grandmother with whom she lived, reported that she heard loud banging coming from the kitchen at approximately 1 a.m. and went from her bedroom to investigate, police said.

Hooten, 45, said she was met by several young black men dressed in white T-shirts and blue jeans who ordered her back to her bedroom, police said. As Hooten was calling police from her cell phone, she said she heard several shots.

Moments later, another granddaughter, a 9-year-old, called out her name. Hooten told police she then discovered that Makia had been shot.

Makia was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.

Detectives say they believe Makia was shot as she went to check on the commotion.

Police called the shooting a tragedy for the neighborhood.

"I know that the Hermitage precinct puts in a lot of time in this area and to have a 12-year-old shot to death is truly saddening," Metro Police Department Capt. Harmon Hunsicker told News2.

Hooten’s 28-year-old son, and two children, ages 5 and 10, were also in the home at the time of the gunfire.

Witnesses in the area reported seeing the suspects running from the rear of the home toward I-40.

Anyone with information regarding the persons involved in this murder case is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 74-CRIME.